Crispy Onion Cheese Chips (Print View)

Thin onion slices topped with melted cheese, air-fried until golden and crunchy for a savory snack.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium yellow onions, peeled

→ Dairy

02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz)
03 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (1.75 oz)

→ Spices & Seasonings

04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Optional Garnish

08 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley

# Method:

01 - Slice onions into thin rings approximately 1/8 inch thick. Separate rings and pat dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
02 - Set air fryer to 375°F and allow it to preheat fully.
03 - Place onion rings in a single layer on a parchment-lined air fryer basket or tray, avoiding overlap.
04 - Combine shredded cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl until evenly blended.
05 - Generously sprinkle the cheese and seasoning mixture over each onion ring, ensuring thorough coverage.
06 - Cook in the air fryer for 8 to 12 minutes until cheese is golden brown and crispy, and onions are tender. Monitor to prevent burning.
07 - Allow chips to rest in the basket for 2 to 3 minutes to achieve additional crispness.
08 - Transfer chips carefully to a serving platter, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're naturally low-carb and gluten-free, so you can actually enjoy them guilt-free.
  • Ready in under 25 minutes and require almost no active cooking time—just slice, season, and air-fry.
  • The crispy-cheesy contrast is dangerously addictive and impossible to stop eating once you start.
02 -
  • Pat your onions dry or they'll steam instead of crisp—I learned this the hard way after my first batch turned into soggy, greasy disappointments.
  • Don't overcrowd the basket; they need breathing room in the air fryer or the bottoms won't crisp properly and the cheese won't brown evenly.
  • Every air fryer runs slightly different temperatures, so adjust timing based on your machine—start checking around the eight-minute mark.
03 -
  • Sweet onions like Vidalia have more natural sugar and caramelize more beautifully if you can find them—they're worth seeking out for even more depth of flavor.
  • Don't stack or overlap your onion rings in the basket; give each one space to breathe so the cheese browns evenly and the bottoms crisp up properly.
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